Happy Wednesday Folks,
There are many exciting things to discuss about today’s episode, but first I must give a major shout-out and say happy twenty fifth birthday to our incredible podcast producer, Victoria Landers. Vic has been a part of this project since the very beginning, when I walked into the art classroom we co-taught in and asked them to help me design a logo for a newsletter I was launching. We’ve come a long way since then, and I can say with certainty Good Folk would not be anywhere close to what it is without them. Vic is the heart behind the scenes, editing our podcast episodes and letting me send them constant rambling voice messages about all the ideas I have for Good Folk.
So, please take a moment while listening to today’s episode to wish Vic a happy birthday, and feel free to leave a comment here letting them know how much we love and appreciate what they do <3
On to today’s episode… While listening back to it, I found myself struck with the question which seems to be on my mind quite a bit lately: how can you use your own talent to cultivate and grow the talents of those around you? Today’s guest demonstrates this ability aptly, and I’m so lucky to have had him join me in this conversation.
Musician Matt Southern was born in Jackson, Michigan and relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina in 2010. He soon began releasing solo records under the name Magpie Feast. In 2013 Magpie Feast became a full band and a staple of the local live music scene. They released several albums until they disbanded in 2017. Since then Matt began releasing records as a solo artist and with his band Matt Southern & Lost Gold. Through these various projects he has always remained productive, releasing 23 records (LPs and EPs) and various singles and one off projects.
Matt has also produced/engineered records for a diverse group of artists, from the folk/punk of Alexander Robichaud to the hip hop of Chompzz, and the country music of Kit McKay. Music production has become a vital connection to other artists in the community. It has become an important source of inspiration for his own work as well as a fulfilling way to use the skills he has acquired to help others realize their own artistic vision.
He’s a clear musical powerhouse, and as if that wasn’t enough, he’s also part of a team that produces Live from the Nest North Carolina, an acoustic music video series recorded in his living room. In their own words, “Live from the Nest is a video series (hosted on YouTube) documenting intimate music performances from a variety of artists in my living room in Raleigh. We strive to be a platform for the incredible and diverse wealth of talent in our area and beyond. We hope to connect artists with each other and the community they are part of. We want to showcase well established local favorites alongside artists who may just be starting out. In these ways, we hope to play a small role in building a more diverse and vibrant music scene in the Triangle.”
This conversation looks at the importance of cultivating community in any kind of creative work. You never know who you will cross paths with. You never know what influence they will have on your life.
I’m also thrilled to be joining forces with Matt to present Good Folk x Live from the Nest: A Night of Folk and Friends, a live concert and podcast recording held at a secret location in Durham, NC. April 8th, 7-11pm. Be there. Acoustic only, no phones, once tickets go, they’re gone. Sadly Indie Cult Classic can no longer make it, but the good news is that Alexander Robichaud will be filling in, alongside Scivic Rivers and Dissimilar South, two amazing local artists. Get tix.
EP 17: Matt Southern